What is a polymorph in geology?

A:

Quick Answer

In geology, polymorphs occur when two compounds of the same composition have different crystalline structures. An example of a polymorph is quartz that is subjected to high temperatures, transforming to trydimite and then crystobalite. Trydimite and crystobalite are considered polymorphs of quartz.

Keep Learning

Polymorphs are very common in geology. A popular example of carbon polymorphs are diamond and graphite. Breaking the word polymorph into smaller sections gives away the meaning of the word. "Poly" is a root word meaning many. "Morph" means to undergo a gradual transformation. The word "polymorph" essentially means many transformations, such as carbon being transformed to diamond or graphite.